Former Liberal Minister outed as candidate for election but not formally endorsed yet

It has been speculated for months that a former Liberal minister, who resigned for family reasons, would run in this election. Now she’s been outed, in an embarrassing gaffe for the Liberals.

Jacquie Petrusma. Picture: Chris Kidd

In an embarrassing gaffe for the Liberal Party - just days before it finalises its election candidates - it has been revealed former minister Jacquie Petrusma will run for Franklin.

Ms Petrusma, who quit politics in July 2022 to spend more time with her family, is featured in a newspaper advertisement headed ‘Part of Jeremy Rockliff’s Liberal Team for Franklin’ alongside sitting MP Nic Street.

She has yet to be formally endorsed for the seat but confirmed to the Mercury she was seeking endorsement.

Liberal advertising in the Eastern Shore Sun February 2024 edition featuring former Liberal member for Franklin Jacquie Petrusma. Picture: supplied

The final Liberal nominations for Franklin closed on Wednesday night and it is believed there were just three nominations for the three spots left on the ticket assuring her of a spot on the seven member ticket.

They are expected to be ratified on Sunday.

Ms Petrusma, who recently joined Mr Rockliff’s office as a principal adviser on the Commission of Inquiry, confirmed to the Mercury she would run for her old seat.

“With a career deeply embedded in service to others, I am looking forward to working hard as part of the Franklin Liberal team to deliver the stability and certainty Tasmania needs,” she said.

“Party rules prohibit me from making any further comment at this time.”

Ms Petrusma is featured in the advertisement in the Eastern Shore Sun produced by CorComms.

Liberal advertising in the Eastern Shore Sun February 2024 edition featuring former Liberal member for Franklin Jacquie Petrusma. Picture: supplied

Executive chairman Nicolas Turner said ads can be booked right up until deadline.

He said the paper was printed on Wednesday night and would be distributed from next Monday.

It is available online.

Last month rank and file members unanimously backed former veteran Liberal senator Eric Abetz to run in Franklin with Kingborough councillor Aldo Antolli and sitting MPs Dean Young and Mr Street.

Ms Petrusma was first elected to Franklin in 2010 and served under three premiers holding portfolios including police and emergency management, Aboriginal affairs, human services, parks, family violence, sport and women.

When she resigned from parliament, Mr Petrusma said wanted to spend more time with her family including her four children and four grandchildren then aged from two to 14.

“My family shared with me how they’d just really like to have time with me to go on holidays, or to have a family event, where I’m not constantly interrupted, that I’m present, physically and mentally and not distracted all the time by constant phone calls, emails and messages,” she said.